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Hamish
04-24-2006, 06:51 PM
just got home from seeing Janis in Vicar St, Dublin.... amazing...
I was first introduced to her music nearly 20 years ago as I was coming out and struggling with all of that...my older sister and her girlfriends introduced me to her music (funny that!) ...
there were far too many candles burning and far too many thoughts in my head about no one understanding how I felt, and a Janis Ian tape playing in the stereo... (far too many things going on between my sister and her girlfriend at the time as well.... not a happy night if I remember correctly)...

The "Between The Lines" tape finished and whilst everyone went to bed I grabbed the tape, shoved it into my walkman, pressed play, and fell asleep listening to the most amazing, honest and forgiving voice singing about love and love lost.... those songs....I can't tell you which was my favourite as the whole album became a soundtrack for my life at the time..."bright lights and promises", "light a light" "lover's lullaby"...
I then went overseas to Japan, and luckily I found many older and newer tapes of hers, and I was able to explore some of Janis's other work...I played them non stop on my new walkman.... majestic, but nothing would ever mean as much as that album....hey, it was first exposure to her, the poet, storyteller, that we know and love...
skip to the current and I am now 35 and I can say she and her music has helped me through some very rough times in my life...coming from australia I have never had the opportunity to see her perfom until tonight and I was overcome with emotion when she sang a few of the old songs that I have been playing to myself (and my friends) over the last 20 years... and god, I was overcome at times with tears but god I laughed at some of her stories...

The fabulous thing I learnt tonight from Janis is her depth.... I had never heard a lot of the songs she played tonight, but myself, and my boyfriend were completely captivated by her voice and her songs... JANIS... YOU ARE AMAZING....
thank you so much for the music which has sustained me over these years and got me through some very emotional times...
I know I wouldn't be here if I hadn't had your songs playing through the stereo/walkman/CD player/iPod....
Hamish

SongDragon
04-24-2006, 06:57 PM
Hamish, thank you for your thoughts and emotions of the evening. Many of us feel this way when we listen to Janis, and it can be so hard to describe all these emotions. Welcome to the board. I'm glad you had the wonderful opportunity to have seen Janis in Dublin. I feel very fortunate to have seen Janis the several times I have, especially after realizing so many people have seen her so rarely while waiting for a chance much longer than I have been waiting.

~SongDragon

gisli
04-24-2006, 07:02 PM
Ahhh Hamish, the Janis Ian magic, she is one of a kind lady, she is The Lady top of the best. Thank you for sharing this and glad to see that you have found the person in you that you feel comfortoble with.

Randy & Betty in Pa
04-24-2006, 07:22 PM
Hamish....

I'm 57 and recognized the feelings you mentioned As can many here on this board... The ages here varie greatly... I'm not the oldest, nor is Songdragon the youngest but we all share an appreciation for a very special artist and friend that has touched us all...And growing friendships with each other in this community ... Welcome to the Board....

Best to you and yours

R. from pa

Agnes
04-25-2006, 12:45 AM
Hamish, thank you for sharing your wonderful evening with us. I think we can all relate to the emotions you describe, Janis truly is a magician. Welcome to the JIMB and please don't be a stranger :)

janisian
04-25-2006, 12:57 AM
And Hamish, thank you for the sweet kiss after the show!

CD Matthew
04-25-2006, 01:58 PM
...for sharing your thoughts and feelings so openly and candidly. I share with you (as do many on this board) a deep appreciation and love for Janis's music and writing and singing, but also a deep gratitude for the personal example she provides. I was married to a woman for 12 years, only came out as a gay man 2 years ago (after a wrenching, painful process), and knowing Janis and her story, as well as her music, gave me strength during the worst of those times. It's hard to put into words just how much her music and presence in the world means, but you did it beautifully!

Welcome to the board, and keep on posting when you've a mind to.

All the best to you from

CD Matthew (in Boston, Mass, USA)

Hamish
04-26-2006, 07:33 PM
Hello everyone.... just logged back in again to read your kind comments.... thankyou so much.... l have listened to the new CD nearly non stop since the other night....( except when I was watching the DVD...) and I can't wait for the opportunity to see her again, and for the chance to plant another kiss on her...
love you all, and I think we have a special community going here, with Janis as the initial but not only common interest.
Thanks
Hamish

DaveM
04-26-2006, 10:15 PM
Janis is kissable? Gosh, and here I was even afraid to try to hug her until she literally grabbed me.

Mind, I once had a Viscountess kiss me on the cheek (long story), and incredibly, maintain her decorum even though she had obviously gotten a beard hair between her lips.

Dar
04-26-2006, 10:44 PM
Many, if not most of us, feel that Janis sang and continues to sing the soundtrack of our lives.
Don't be a stranger!!